Last Updated: Mar 27, 2011 11:45 PM ET
Cpl. Yannick Scherrer, 24, was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar in Afghanistan on Sunday. (National Defence)
A Canadian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Yannick Scherrer, 24, was killed Sunday at about noon local time while on foot patrol with the Afghan National Army near Nakhonay, southwest of Kandahar city, when the IED exploded.
The Montreal native, who was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, was a member of the 1st Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment and based in CFB Valcartier in Quebec.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Cpl. Scherrer's family, and to the soldiers and friends who served alongside him," Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner, Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan, said in a statement Monday at Kandahar airfield.
"Canadians can be proud of the progress our soldiers have accomplished for the people of Kandahar province in Afghanistan. More work remains to be done."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences to the soldier's friends and family.
"The relentless commitment of Cpl. Scherrer and other brave Canadians in Afghanistan is a source of pride to all Canadians," Harper said in a statement. "We will forever be grateful for the sacrifice made by Cpl. Scherrer."
Nakhonay, a battle-scarred village of about 1,000 people, has been the focus of intense counterinsurgency efforts by Canadian troops in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province over the last year.
Condolences to the family of this fine young lad.
je me souviens